World Footy News

On Presidents Day weekend here in the USA (17 February), I had the distinct opportunity to interview the first American female President of an USAFL club, the Boston Demons Andrea “Andi” Williams.  In the following interview, we discuss the road to becoming an trailblazer and pioneer, what drives her and talk about the US Revolution and Freedom teams as well as the 2014 season for the Demons.

Alex Benjamin: First of all, congratulations. Accordingly to my good friend and historian, Lisa Albergo, this is not only you being the first female president of a USAFL Eastern Regional team, but the first American female in USAFL history.

Andrea Williams:  Thank you very much. I am honored to have been elected to this position and excited to lead the Demons this season.

Alex Benjamin:  You have been Vice President in '13 and then in '12 you were the Social and Sponsorship Coordinator, how has the Demons Club changed in the 3 years you have been with the Lady Demons and Demons and what can we expect in '14?

Andrea Williams:  I was the second woman to join the Club in 2011 and stepped into a Board role in for 2012 because I felt I could help our Club continue to grow and evolve in a positive way. Over the past three years I have seen this Club evolve in so many positive ways. for example accepting and embracing the role of the newly established women's team, encouraging newer members of the Club to step into leadership positions both on the field and off, and becoming more socially-minded, engaging in community service as a Club etc. My main goals for 2014 are to build on the foundation my predecessors laid, especially where recruiting and social cohesion are concerned, to continue to grow the women's game and presence in the Club, and to work on establishing a stronger presence for the Club in the city of Boston and New England in general.

Alex Benjamin:  In '13, the Men's team finished 24th in the USAFL Weekly and the women's finished 3rd. There are multiple members of the Demons that have gone to be with the Freedom and Revolution teams. Do you see some of the members of the current teams to be members in time for the International Cup this year?

Andrea Williams:  That's correct. We have a pretty storied history of sending players to the Freedom and Revolution teams over the years, both from our men's team and our women's team. I think for the Parallel Cup over the past two years, we've had at least six women represent. I know of some of our women going out to Houston this weekend (Saturday, 22 February) to try out for the IC squads but I don't foresee any men trying out this year (4 April @ Austin, home of last year’s Nationals). I'm hopeful that we'll be able to send some men over the next few seasons though.

Alex Benjamin:  With the tradition of the Demons over the last few years and having one of the toughest schedules in the USAFL because of the EAFL, how is this year's schedule will be and how do you see this year's team on both sides will be?

Andrea Williams:  I am actually pretty confident about the upcoming season. I worked closely with Michael Sheppard, our VP, to ensure that we're meeting our travel commitments to other teams but not forcing our guys and girls to travel several weekends a month throughout the season. I think those seasons tend to be tough and we see numbers drop with each consecutive travel commitment. For the women's side, I worked with Lisa Arredondo, our women's director, and Drea Casillas and the other ladies of the East, to ensure that we're getting all of our girls plenty of playing time. As you know, getting the girls time on the field can be tough because of smaller numbers. As a Club, both men's and women's teams, we'll focus on our metro competition this season and I think our fixtures allow us ample opportunity to get a ripper of a metro season going.

Alex Benjamin:  It takes some courage to be a trailblazer and stepping into the unknown to do something special, Andi...what's your inspiration in both footy wise and other ways?

Andrea Williams:  Well, that's a good question. I think in general, my niece Madeleine is a huge inspiration. She's 18 months old now and in her world view she just kind of owns the world. She's completely fearless. I want her to maintain that fearlessness for the rest of her life, so I want to set an example that you can and should reach for things that conventional wisdom holds as "unattainable". Between her and my partner-in-crime, Taso, who's a paraplegic and holds two World Rowing Championship titles despite his injury... well, I'm lucky, I have plenty of inspiration to go around.

Alex Benjamin:  Well...that's certainly worthy of praise. What's your footy inspiration that strengthens you, Andi?

Andrea Williams:  Footy gave me two things during a pretty dark time in my life: a community of supportive people who just kind of welcomed me in, no questions asked, and encouraged me to grow and do good things for myself, and the second thing it gave me is a reason to push myself to get better every day. The men and the women of the Demons have been a force for good in my life over the past three years and they inspire me daily.

Alex Benjamin:   Have you made any of the Nationals since your start with the Demons?

Andrea Williams:  Yes, I was at both Nationals tournaments in Austin, 2011 and 2013.  I missed 2012 Nationals in OH (Mason) due to a wedding.

Alex Benjamin:  We hope to see you at the Nationals in Dublin to recap your year as President.

Andrea Williams:  I sure hope so. It should be another terrific tournament and the Demons are looking to make a great showing

Alex Benjamin:  See you at the Nationals in October at Dublin and thanks...

Andrea Williams:  No problem any time. Thanks Alex!

The USAFL Nationals in Dublin will be on October 9-11.  

Please check us out Alex's work online via usaflweeklyreport.com and watch the USAFL Weekly show, Sundays @ 5 pm USA Central Time on UStream.tv.  

(Editors note: The interview above has been edited for continuity - you can also read more on Andi's appointment here)